Thailand is set to permit locally managed Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) under new cryptocurrency regulations that come into force on October 16. The move will give investors another regulated way to access digital assets through the country’s domestic stock market.

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced the new framework on Thursday. It allows local asset managers to develop cryptocurrency ETFs listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, with Bitcoin and Ether approved for the initial launch.

Under the rules, each fund must track a single cryptocurrency and maintain exposure to that asset equivalent to at least 80% of its net asset value. Investors will also need to acknowledge the risks before purchasing the products.

The regulator has introduced additional safeguards for the new investment vehicles. Brokers cannot lend money to clients to purchase cryptocurrencies, while ETF assets must be held by custodians regulated by Thailand’s SEC.

The framework expands domestic investment options for Thai investors, who previously faced restrictions on accessing foreign crypto ETFs. Such products were available only to institutional and wealthy investors under the earlier rules. The regulator indicated in 2025 that it wanted to broaden the country’s crypto ETF market beyond Bitcoin.

The new regulations also allow local asset managers to delegate cryptocurrency investment responsibilities to licensed digital-asset fund managers. Eligible custodians and other qualified firms can register as supervisors for cryptocurrency ETFs.

In addition, the SEC has amended its rules to permit mutual funds and private funds to invest in locally listed crypto ETFs, subject to existing investment limits. However, products that provide retail investors with indirect exposure to foreign cryptocurrency ETFs, including depositary receipts, will not be permitted during the initial phase.

By bringing Bitcoin and Ether ETFs into Thailand’s conventional investment system, the regulator is expanding access to cryptocurrencies while maintaining requirements for custody, risk disclosure and investor protection.

Thailand also has a substantial cryptocurrency market. Data attributed to World indicates that approximately 20% of its population owns digital assets, compared with 13% in the United States. Nigeria, the Philippines and South Africa reportedly have cryptocurrency ownership rates of around 19.4% each.